How to calcute the appropriate GPA when applying to CSU and UC colleges

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
1

Is it correct to say that for both CSU and UC college applications, grades to be included in the calculations should be used from the summer between 9th and 10th grade to the summer between 11th and 12th?

I read in the UC Admissions and CS Mentor instructions that this is the case but I also heard and read in the blogs that CSU schools use 9-11 versus UC schools use 10-11. My son is from out of state, but I do not know if this matters.

2

You can use this calculator: https://rogerhub.com/gpa-calculator-uc/ My understanding from this board is only Cal Poly used 9th grade grades as well as 10 and 12.

3

Cal Poly SLO is the only CSU that uses 9-11th and 12th if available at time of application for their GPA calculation. Cal Poly Pomona and the rest of the CSU’s use 10-11th grades including the summer after 9th and 11th. Also UCB/UCLA will use the Fully weighted UC GPA along with the capped weighted UC GPA. The roger hub calculator does calculate all these GPA’s.

4

Cal poly will use 12th grade grades if they are available? Gosh, that would be very nice as my daughter is in a full slate of AP classes for this year and all subjects she is strong in.

5

Regarding 12th grades for any CSU’s, this would only be possible if:

  1. Applicant already graduated and took a Gap year or
  2. Official quarter grades are posted on the HS transcript.

My son’s HS sent out quarter grades, but they were not officially posted on their transcripts, just the semester grades, so they could not be used for their GPA calculation or could not be self-reported on their applications.

Since most applicants apply during Senior year and the applications are due NOV 30, Senior grades are rarely available to make a difference.

Also the maximum number of honors points (8) still applies for the AP/IB/Honors courses.

CSU’s do not accept Mid-year transcripts until an applicant is already accepted.

6

Oh, ok… so trying to rush in mid year transcripts when grades come out 12/16/16 wouldn’t be of any use…

7

SLO will not accept Mid-year transcripts unless they specifically contact the applicant for any reason. CSU’s will base their admission decisions on the self-reported grades.

CSU Fullerton and SDSU did ask for my younger’s son’s Mid-year transcript, but that was after he was accepted.

Older son was accepted at SLO and was only asked for his Final transcript if he enrolled.

8

Thanks folks for the quick reply socalmom007 and Gumbymom. I really appreciate the information.